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Program Offerings:
Index :
Surgical Technologists
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Highlights
 This
Page Provides You With The Major Information About recommended schools offer, associate or bachelor degrees and
certificates and diplomas for Surgical Technologist. Work in hospitals, offices and clinics of physicians, including
ambulatory surgical centers. Surgical Technologist assists physicians during surgery and uses the latest surgical
technology such as fiber optics and laser technology. Surgical Technologists can expect job security as baby boomers
mature requiring more surgical procedures.
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Most
educational programs for surgical technologists last approximately 1 year and result in a certificate.
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Employment
of surgical technologists is expected to grow faster than average as the number of surgical procedures grows.
Surgical technologists, also called scrubs and surgical or operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations
under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. Surgical technologists are members
of operating room teams, which most commonly include surgeons, anesthesiologists, and circulating nurses. Before an
operation, surgical technologists help prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment,
sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. They assemble both sterile and non sterile equipment, as well as adjust and
check it to ensure it is working properly. Technologists also get patients ready for surgery by washing, shaving, and
disinfecting incision sites. They transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating
table, and cover them with sterile surgical "drapes." Technologists also observe patients' vital signs, check charts,
and assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves.
During surgery, technologists pass
instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and
help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Surgical technologists help prepare, care for, and dispose of
specimens taken for laboratory analysis and help apply dressings. Some operate sterilizers, lights, or suction
machines, and help operate diagnostic equipment.
After an operation, surgical technologists may help transfer
patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room.
Surgical technologists receive their
training in formal programs offered by community and junior colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals,
and the military. In 2001, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) recognized
350 accredited programs. High school graduation normally is required for admission. Programs last 9 to 24 months and
lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.
Programs provide classroom education and supervised
clinical experience. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, professional ethics,
and medical terminology. Other studies cover the care and safety of patients during surgery, aseptic techniques, and
surgical procedures. Students also learn to sterilize instruments; prevent and control infection; and handle special
drugs, solutions, supplies, and equipment.
Technologists may obtain voluntary professional certification from
the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist by graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited program and
passing a national certification examination. They may then use the designation Certified Surgical Technologist, or
CST. Continuing education or reexamination is required to maintain certification, which must be renewed every 6
years. Certification may also be obtained from the National Center for Competency Testing. To qualify to take the
exam, candidates follow one of three paths: complete an accredited training program, undergo a 2-year hospital
on-the-job training program, or acquire seven years experience working in the field. After passing the exam,
individuals may use the designation National Certified Technician O.R. This certification may be renewed every 5
years through either continuing education or reexamination. Most employers prefer to hire certified technologists.
Surgical technology need manual dexterity to handle instruments quickly. They also must be conscientious,
orderly, and emotionally stable to handle the demands of the operating room environment. Technologists must respond
quickly and know procedures well to have instruments ready for surgeons without having to be told. They are expected
to keep abreast of new developments in the field. Recommended high school courses include health, biology, chemistry,
and mathematics.
Technologists advance by specializing in a particular area of surgery, such as neurosurgery
or open heart surgery. They also may work as circulating technologists. A circulating technologist is the "unsterile"
member of the surgical team who prepares patients; helps with anesthesia; obtains and opens packages for the
"sterile" persons to remove the sterile contents during the procedure; interviews the patient before surgery; keeps a
written account of the surgical procedure; and answers the surgeon's questions about the patient during the surgery.
With additional training, some technologists advance to first assistants, who help with retracting, sponging,
suturing, cauterizing bleeders, and closing and treating wounds. Some surgical technologists manage central supply
departments in hospitals, or take positions with insurance companies, sterile supply services, and operating
equipment firms.
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